We the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel are engaged in a process of self-examination and seek to define the characteristics among the many existing charisms and vocations which give our religious family its particular identity within the Church.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
Carmelite vocation perfects in us, through our shared brotherhood, the power, which is also charismatic, a gift of the Spirit, received at baptism and at confirmation, binding us in a special way to the Church and making us ready to serve God and humanity, “to implant and strengthen the Kingdom of Christ in souls, and to spread it to the four corners of the earth.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
We look upon our consecrated life above all as an invitation and a great gift from God, by which he consecrates us to himself, that we may serve our brothers and sisters following Christ’s example.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
We are called by Christ to live and to spread his transforming and liberating power, and even evangelical life itself, in a manner that is specific to us, effective, and contemporary. This life is characterised by an intense search for God, in total adherence to Christ, finding expression in fraternal life and apostolic zeal.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
Living in allegiance to Jesus Christ, and embracing his Gospel as the supreme norm of our lives, by the power of his Spirit who distributes his gifts to each according to his will, we seek to live together in mutual service of one another and of all people. In this way, we co-operate in God’s plan to gather all men and women into one Holy People.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
Through Jesus Christ, Son of the Father and “firstborn of all creation”, we live in union with God and with our neighbours in a new way. And so, we share in the mission of the Incarnate Word in this world, and we form the Church, which is in Christ “as a sacrament - asign and instrument of communion with God, and of the unity of the whole human race.”
(Carmelite Constitutions)
During the Provincial Chapter of the Castilian Province held on 5-7 April 2011 were elected:
- Prior Provincial: Fr. Miguel Ángel Pérez Gutíerrez, O.Carm.
- First Councilor: Fr. Florentino Bocos Priante, O.Carm.
- Second Councilor: Fr. Matías Tejerina Espeso, O.Carm.
- Third Councilor: Fr. Eleuterio Pablo Gárate Carazo, O.Carm.
- Fourth Councilor: Fr. Marín Antonio Lozano Moreno, O.Carm.
"The soul must empty itself of all that is not God in order to go to God. . . For Christ, desire to enter into complete nakedness and poverty in everything." ~ St. John of the Cross
"I cannot do it alone; the waves run fast and high, and the fog closes chill around, and the light goes out in the sky. But I know that we two shall win in the end - Jesus and I. I could not steer it myself - my barque on the roaring sea - what of that? Another sits in my barque, and pulls or steers with me. And I know that we two shall come into port - His child and He. Coward, wayward and weak, I change like the changing sky - one day eager and brave, the next, not caring to try; But He never gives in, and we two shall win, Jesus and I. Strong, and tender and true, crucified once for me, I know that Jesus never will change, whatever I do or be. We shall finish our course, and get home at last - His child and He."
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"Death cannot be bitter for the soul that loves, for in it she finds all the sweetness and delight of love. She rejoices over death as she would over the thought of her betrothal and marriage, and she longs for the day and the hour of her death." ~ St. John of the Cross s.12
"Dear Jesus, halp me to spread Your fragrance everywhere I go. Flood me with Your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may be only a radiance of Thine. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come into contact with may feel Your presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me - but solely Thee, my Jesus."
As a contemplative fraternity, we seek the face of God and we serve the Church in the world or possibly in eremetical solitude.
"O God, You know my weaknesses, that I am poor and destitute, that I cannot do, nor even think any good without You. Arise up then; strengthen me with grace, that I may fervently execute what I have firmly resolved, and not only avoid all evil You forbid, but also perform all the good You command, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For this reason I lay down that you are to keep silence from after Compline until after Prime the next day. At other times, although you need not keep silence so strictly, be careful not to indulge in a great deal of talk. Rule 21
"Lord Jesus, I cry out to you in my pain and sorrow. Give me the strength to praise You in my sadness. When prayer is difficult for me, hear my heartfelt cry, Jesus, my need for You is great yet my tortured mind finds it difficult to see beyond this darkness of the soul. Be near me Lord, hear my weak cry of Jesus Mercy. Lead me from my despair into Your comforting arms, and those of Your Blessed Mother, until I can finally rest with You."
"When you walk in the dark night and in the emptiness of spiritual poverty, you will think that everyone and everything is failing you — including God. But nothing is failing you." ~ St. John of the Cross
"Dear Lord, I give You pride of place in my heart, my home, my school, my workplace. Let me forever place You in the centre of my thoughts, words and deeds, my relaxation time, so that with You and through You my life is lived for You. Let my life not be dictated by materialiasm, more possessions, greater fame but rather help me to keep You as my rock, my stability, my focus in all I do and say."
